EPA fines Forestry Corporation $15,000 for erosion incident

A FAILURE to implement effective erosion and sediment control measures at Tuckers Nob has resulted in Forestry Corporation of NSW being fined $15,000 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.

From September to November last year, FCNSW undertook a clear-fell harvesting operation in Tuckers Nob State Forest followed by plantation re-establishment work which continued until late February.

EPA North Coast region manager Brett Nudd said Forestry Corporation heavy rain which fell on February 2 and 3 this year highlighted the lack of effective erosion and sediment control measures needed for the project.

"This (the rain) led to surface run-off which carried sediment into the Never Never Creek," Mr Nudd said.

"FCNSW estimated that more than 100 cubic metres of sediment washed into the Never Never catchment.

"However the EPA's investigation suggested that the volume of sediment entering the waterways would have been significantly higher than FCNSW's estimate."

Greens MP and Forestry spokesperson David Shoebridge said the Forestry Corporation of NSW had engaged in "shameful" practices at Tuckers Nob State Forest.

He said the fine issued is not equal to the amount of damage caused.

"I saw for myself how the corporation clear felled this native forest and left the open soil to be washed into the local waterways," Mr Shoebridge said.

"The Never Never Creek is an environmental jewel, as are the beautiful forests of the Mid North Coast, but they all being savaged by the unthinking practices of the Forestry Corporation."